Full-time adult ordinary time earnings rose by 3.8% for males and 4.3% for females in the twelve months to February 2011.

In the twelve months to February 2011, full-time adult total earnings rose by 4.0% for males and 4.5% for females.

NOTES

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

ISSUE (QUARTER)

Release Date

May 2011

18 August 2011

August 2011

17 November 2011

IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Due to the temporary suspension of data collection activities in a number of places declared official disaster areas, the Average Weekly Earnings Survey response rate for Queensland is slightly lower than usual. A response rate of 93% was achieved for Queensland, compared with the normal response rate of 96% or more. However, the February 2011 estimates for Queensland are of similar quality to those normally released. Estimates for other states have not been impacted and there is no significant impact on industry estimates for Australia.

RELEASE OF AVERAGE WEEKLY CASH EARNINGS SERIES

The average weekly cash earnings series inclusive of salary sacrifice is to be released on 18 August 2011. An information paper titled Information Paper: Release of Average Weekly Cash Earnings Series (cat. no. 6302.0.55.003) is to be released on 21 July 2011 outlining the background to the series, the classifications and time periods to be released, and where to find the data on the ABS website.

FREQUENCY CHANGE

The frequency of the average weekly earnings series will change from quarterly to biannual in 2012. It is intended that the May 2012 publication will be the last quarterly issue and the November 2012 publication the first produced on a biannual basis. From 2013 onwards, AWE data will be produced twice a year relating to May and November. A fifteen month notice period is being given to ensure AWE users have sufficient notice of the change.

NOTES ON ESTIMATES

COMPOSITIONAL EFFECTS. Movements in average weekly earnings can be affected by both changes in the level of earnings per employee and changes in the composition of the labour force. Refer to paragraphs 28 and 29 of the Explanatory Notes.

SAMPLING ERROR

For information on sampling error, see the Technical Note at the end of this publication. Standard errors for the original estimates contained in this publication are in tables 18 to 20.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Francesco Tornatore on Perth (08) 9360 5304.